January 1, Louvre Museum Jewel Heist Sparks Outrage

Wyatt’s Take

• Two more suspects charged after massive jewel theft at Louvre.
• Authorities blamed for poor security and slow upgrades.
• Louvre forced to hide treasures as fallout continues.

French officials hit two more people with charges after October’s daring Louvre jewelry heist. The suspects deny any role, but the public wants answers about how criminals got away with $102 million in gems.

Earlier, two men confessed partial involvement after being charged with theft and conspiracy. In total, four robbers struck the world-famous museum in broad daylight, making their escape in minutes.

“For years museum authorities had gravely underestimated the risks of intrusion and theft,” said Culture Minister Rachida Dati.

The thieves struck just after opening time, using a lift and disc cutter to smash into the Gallery of Apollo. They got away on scooters and cars, dropping a crown but disappearing with seven other treasures. Only one camera should have monitored the break-in spot, but it wasn’t even pointed the right way.

The suspects are being held in custody, with the prosecutor’s office noting one man’s DNA matched the scene. Three others were released without charges. The French system keeps suspects locked up if they’re a risk to the public or investigation.

After the theft, the Louvre president admitted failures, but blamed the city for inadequate perimeter cameras. Some say she put museum renovations ahead of security. Now, the famed museum has sent its most valuable jewels to the Bank of France, and other institutions face tighter watch.

Folks across France are angry, not just at the crooks but also at leaders who let the world’s treasures go unprotected.

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Wyatt Matters

When public leaders cut corners on safety, it’s the working people and their heritage that pay the price. Our communities know the value of protecting what really matters.